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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 107: Preparation
The Emperor was well aware of the reasons behind the people's rebellion; he had always been an exceptionally intelligent man, which was why he had achieved such great accomplishments over the past seven or eight years.
He loved his achievements but did not care for his subjects. The common people were merely stepping stones to his glory. If he wished to surpass the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, and to outshine the Zhou and Han dynasties, then naturally, he would use the populace as expendable resources.
Although a mere rebellion by commoners could not create a significant impact, the Emperor decided to show grace and appease them while suppressing the unrest. Thus, he issued an edict to reward the elderly over ninety years old in Hebei and in Shanxi and Shandong provinces by appointing them as Prefects, while those over eighty were made County Magistrates, allowing them to wear corresponding robes and receive court salaries.
Under the Emperor's directive, auspicious signs began to appear in various prefectures. For instance, a three-legged crow emerged in Shu Commandery, a black fox was spotted in Zhangye, a cloud dragon appeared in Zhuojun, and a phoenix sang in the Eastern Capital.
Additionally, items such as jade as tall as a person and spirit mushrooms the size of grinding wheels were sent to the Emperor at Zhuojun. He specially hosted a banquet inviting officials to admire these wonders.
However, the officials wore grim expressions; their flattery was not as sweet as it had once been. The Emperor's face gradually darkened, and the atmosphere became tense.
Countless commoners and soldiers labored tirelessly for the Emperor's will. From the perspective of the people, they had made sacrifices and thus had grievances worthy of expression. From the Emperor's viewpoint, this was for the sake of national interests; even if it required a bloody price, it was worth it.
While the Emperor could not forgive the rebellious commoners, he could understand them. However, he believed that these officials had no right to complain. They enjoyed high positions and wealth; what grounds did they have for grievances?
Li Jian Cheng sat behind Yang Xuangan and noticed him trembling slightly—not from fear but likely from excitement; the grand performance was about to begin.
The Emperor's icy gaze swept across the courtiers until it landed on Yu Zhi of Water Command. He asked coldly, "The people of Goryeo cannot withstand even one of my commanderies. Now I intend to attack them with this force; do you believe we can succeed?"
Yu Zhi rose to respond, "We can conquer them through attack; however, I humbly suggest that Your Majesty should not lead personally."
Several others stood up without waiting for the Emperor's inquiry: "Your Majesty should return with your Million-Strong Army to sit tight in the Eastern Capital. Leaving two hundred thousand troops is sufficient to subdue Goguryeo; there is no need for such a large mobilization that burdens the people."
"Your Majesty, with bandits rising across the land, it is evident that the common people have reached their limit of endurance. The two hundred thousand able-bodied commoners here in Zhuojun should be sent back to their fields; only then can peace be restored throughout the realm."
The Emperor ignored these remarks and continued questioning Yu Zhi: "With my forces gathered here, how can I retreat without having seen any enemies?"
"It is precisely because Your Majesty leads such a great army that if we engage in battle and fail to achieve victory, your reputation would suffer greatly—that would be a serious matter."
"I will not retreat."
Yuzhi fell silent for a moment before saying, "If Your Majesty insists on keeping the royal carriage here, then you should immediately order the Fierce General and Elite Soldier to march. With Your Majesty's strategic guidance, we can take them by surprise and achieve victory."
"Speed is of the essence in warfare; timing is crucial. Delay leads to failure!"
His words were insightful, and even some generals couldn't help but agree. However, the Emperor scoffed coldly and suddenly issued an order to execute Yuzhi and several others, including Geng Xun, who had just spoken.
All the officials had grown somewhat numb; the Emperor's three-pronged approach had been wielded for so many years that its deterrent effect was diminishing.
Yang Guang feigned anger as he reprimanded his ministers, but inside he remained calm. The tactic of killing a chicken to scare the monkeys was losing its effectiveness; he needed a brilliant victory to restore the authority of the supreme ruler.
Although he still felt confident, especially with a Million-Strong Army at his disposal, he couldn't help but reminisce about Yang Su. If only there were an undefeated general in the court now, how much better it would be.
At that moment, Yang Xuangan stepped forward and said, "My family has enjoyed Imperial Favor for generations, receiving honors beyond what we deserve. If I do not achieve merit on the frontier, how can I justify my position?
Now that there are warnings from the borderlands, I am willing to lead troops into battle for Your Majesty, charging into danger to repay the vast Imperial Favor!"
Yang Guang was pleasantly surprised and stood up, exclaiming, "A general must have generals; a minister must have ministers. You and Your Son are exemplary Courtiers."
He immediately rewarded Yang Xuangan with thousands of bolts of silk and colorful fabrics and appointed him to accompany the army next year to guard the Imperial Decree.
The Emperor dismissed the Courtiers, leaving only his Confidants. After being sidelined for some time, Yang Xuangan finally had a chance to participate.
They did not discuss the rebellious forces because if this battle was won and they returned with a great victory alongside the million-strong army, peace would be easily restored.
However, everyone sensed that if the Emperor's tendency for grandiosity and indulgence did not change, suppressing a moment would not suppress a lifetime; chaos would inevitably ensue.
As for how to campaign against Goguryeo, the Emperor already had plans in mind and did not wish to discuss it further with them. Except for Li Jian Cheng, others were somewhat puzzled but did not press for more information.
After all, the Emperor had led large armies before; with over one hundred thirty thousand troops and more than two hundred thousand Commoners against a mere Goguryeo, it seemed impossible to lose.
The Emperor inquired about the matters concerning the Turkic tribes. Li Jian Cheng reported, "Your Majesty, neither of the two Turkic Khagans has sent troops to assist us. Shibi Khan has only sent One Thousand Horses, while Chuluo Khan has merely offered some Gold and Silver Gifts."
The Emperor squinted and smiled, saying, "They wish to reap the benefits without effort. Well then, what are your thoughts? Speak freely."
Pei Ju replied, "It is time to create a balance, Your Majesty. Shibi Khan has a younger brother named Chiqishe. I suggest we marry off a princess to him and then appoint him as the Southern Khan to divide the Eastern Turkic tribes.
As for the Western Turkic side, I have heard of a chieftain named Shekui, who is powerful and has long been dissatisfied with Chuluo Khan. We could appoint him as Khan to instigate conflict with Chuluo."
It was an old strategy, but always effective. The Emperor ordered Pei Ju to make arrangements.
A month later, news returned. On the Eastern Turkic front, Chiqishe had no courage to challenge his brother Shibi Khan and promptly expelled the Emissary upon hearing the news.
On the Western Turkic front, however, things went quite smoothly. After receiving promises from the Sui Dynasty, Chieftain Shekui eagerly mobilized his forces for an attack. Chuluo Khan was caught off guard and was naturally defeated, abandoning his wife and fleeing eastward with thousands of riders to Gaochang Kingdom.
The Emperor was not particularly satisfied with this outcome; after all, a battle was imminent. If the Turkic tribes retained their full strength, he would find it difficult to sleep soundly.
Pei Ju proved himself worthy as an expert in handling Turkic issues after Changsun Sheng. He immediately proposed a solution involving Shibi Khan's strategist, Sogdian Shu Hu Xi, suggesting that he could incite conflicts among the tribes. Additionally, Princess Yicheng could help pacify Shibi Khan.
……………
(End of Chapter)
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